Claudio Marchisio to make Italy return against Germany, Liechtenstein

Claudio Marchisio has made 54 appearances for Italy and was out for six months with a torn cruciate ligament.

Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio scored a rare goal in his last match for Italy. (Source: Reuters)

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is back in the Italy squad after six months out with a torn cruciate ligament, which forced him to miss the European Championship.

Marchisio, who has made 54 appearances for Italy, scored a rare goal in his last international match – a 2-2 draw against Romania, almost exactly a year ago.

Sassuolo winger Matteo Politano and Lazio midfielder Danilo Cataldi have been called up for the first time for the matches against Liechtenstein and Germany.

Lorenzo Insigne and Simone Zaza, who were both at Euro 2016, are back in the squad for the first time under new coach Giampiero Ventura, as is Davide Zappacosta, who was called up for Antonio Conte’s last two friendly matches before the tournament in France.

Marco Parolo is also included despite being suspended for the World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein.